The harsh summer sun and warm days might be coming to an end but that isn’t an excuse to abandon your skincare routine. With winter months and cold weather rolling in, it’s as important as ever to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. The cold air can dry your skin out big time leaving it itchy, irritated, red, and sometimes even lead to cracking. Over time these factors can put a toll on the largest organ we have, our skin. 
It’s a time to take a second look at your routine and make any necessary changes. Last month was Healthy Skin month so I read up on it. Besides my skin was looking anything BUT healthy so I knew I had to make some switches. I found something that works. To encourage you to try and find a routine that is right for you I’ve put together four basic tips, seperated into morning and evening skincare, so you can combat the change in seasons and continue to have beautiful, glowing skin
1. Cleanse with lukewarm water
The first step to any skincare routine, no matter the season, is cleansing. Throughout the day and night, your skin collects dirt, oils, and other impurities that can build up on the surface of your skin clogging pores and causing breakouts. Thus, having a cleansing routine in the AM and PM is very important.
When washing your face, you may think using ice cold water will tighten your skin -wouldn’t it be a dream if it was that easy- and shrink pores or hot water will open up your pores and feel good especially in the chilly morning. However, these are just myths, apparently. To keep your skin at a happy medium use lukewarm water. Make it a little cooler to constrict the blood vessels not too cold otherwise your blood vessels will pop causing redness and small red dots.
AM- Using lukewarm or cool water wash away any dirt or oil that your skin collects while you’re sleeping. Depending on your skin type find a cleanser that would work best for you. Tip: If you’re drier this winter try using a cream cleanser that is gentler for added moisture and introduce a toner to your routine if you haven’t already. Toners have many great benefits such as binding moisture and closing pores after cleansing. One that has become a favourite is this illuminating toner from L’Occitane.
PM- While still using lukewarm or cool water wash away any dirt and excess oil your skin collects throughout the day. Most face washes can be used in the morning and night. So again, it all depends on your skin type or concerns. Quick tip, before washing your face start by removing makeup or any other build up off with a makeup wipe or cleansing water. This will prep your skin for your cleanse to really do its job.
2. Moisturize
Now that you have the perfect cleanser to suit your needs, it’s time to moisturize. A moisturizer is like saran wrap for your face locking in moisture to keep it hydrated. After washing your face, leave it somewhat damp then apply your moisturizer. Just like our body needs water to survive our skin needs moisture to fight signs of aging. Thus applying a moisturizer suitable for your skin in the morning and at night is essential. I’d like to give this one a go.
AM: Find a moisturizer that will easily absorb into the skin preferably with an SPF built into it. The Sun might not be shinning but your skin is still coming in contact with harmful UV rays.
PM: You will want your nighttime cream to be thick and heavy as your skin is less hydrated at night. The older we get the more our skin will need moisture. There are many wonderful anti-aging face creams out there that will help you keep your youth a little longer.
3. Hydrate
Drinking a substantial amount of water is not only great for your health but it will improve the appearance of your skin and boost your complexion. Medical News Today said, “with dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.” as one of the 15 benefits to drinking water. This winter and going into the new year do yourself a favor and introduce more water into your routine.
4. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the key to a healthy skin care routine. Especially for someone with dry skin, incorporating this into your routine will remove dry/dead skin cells, increase blood circulation, radiance, and youthfulness.
AM: Overnight your skin renews itself, therefore, exfoliating in the morning will be the most beneficial. For dry skin do this about two to three times a week unless your skin is more sensitive then stick to about two.
Your skin will be so thankful this winter and for years to come with your new healthy skincare routine. So, I encourage you to rethink your day to day and find the products that best work for your skin type and concerns.
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More on skincare like in which order you should use your products and tips on where to get stuff online here and here.
